In January I visited several cities in Texas to explore some of the state’s history and it’s aviation past. While I could only scratch the surface during my short visit to Dallas, I found three unique museums that celebrate history in Dallas, Texas.
SIXTH FLOOR MUSEUM AT DEALEY PLAZA
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza follows the events of a black day in U.S. history, November 22, 1963, and the assassination of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy. As Kennedy’s procession passed the Texas School Book Depository building, shots rang out, striking the President and Governor John Connally, who was seated in front of the President. Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots from an open window on the sixth floor of the Depository building. Chaos ensued as Kennedy’s car was rushed to Parkland Hospital, where the President was declared dead. Oswald would escape the Depository lockdown, then later shoot a policeman, J.D. Tippit, before being arrested at the Texas Theater. Once in police custody, Oswald would be shot and killed by Jack Ruby during his transfer while in police custody.
HISTORY REVEALED
The Sixth Floor Museum preserved the area where Oswald fired the fatal shots. Here, visitors walk through the event from Kennedy’s arrival in Dallas to the investigation of the incident through the findings of the Warren Commission report. On the Sixth Floor, you can view the window and the street below where Oswald’s shots changed the world.
INVESTIGATION and ARTIFACTS FROM THE SHOOTING
Artifacts surround the exhibit space, including a replica of the rifle Oswald used, Oswald’s wedding ring, and the Zapruder film of the assassination, as well as many others.
At the Sixth Street Museum, you will walk in the footsteps of history. Learn more about JFK’s Presidential Library here.
FRONTIERS OF FLIGHT
For thirty years, the Frontiers of Flight Museum has delighted visitors with its aviation displays and the massive collection of George Haddaway, including approximately 35,000 aviation artifacts. The museum began at Love Field on the mezzanine, then relocated in 2004 to an enormous 100,000-square-foot facility near Love Field. I had the pleasure of a tour with Dan Steelman, VP of Collections and Exhibits.
Here, you will delight in viewing more than 30 aircraft, some suspended overhead, ranging from the Wright Flyer to the Apollo 7 capsule.
MODEL SHOP
The model shop is a large draw for adults and kids alike. The talented craftsmen have outdone themselves with the detailed aircraft on display. One volunteer and modeler, Hal Schneider, 90, is working on a Vietnam-era plane as a gift for a fellow member. One of my favorite planes, the Gee Bee Model R, is featured prominently in the Air Racing display of the Golden Age of Aviation.
Another stand out model display is that of Master Modeler Al Duval’s 350 1/48 scale aircraft models. The craftsmanship of these planes is a testament to his 40 years in producing the models.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
Southwest Airlines makes a landmark contribution to the museum with its cockpit simulator and static exhibit of a Southwest 737. Southwest’s signature aircraft serves as a unique display of the airline’s creation and evolution. Herb Kelleher, the founder of Southwest, passed away on January 3, 2019, and Southwest is his legacy to the airline industry.
BRANIFF
A large Braniff display is featured on the upper level of the main exhibit floor, arranged by former airline employees. Braniff was unique in that it combined fashion, art, and transportation.
THE WORLD WARS
Visitors can walk through the aviation of both World War I and World War II. Here you will find aviation artifacts from both sides of the conflicts. The Vietnam and Korean Wars displays are presently under renovation.
DIRIGIBLE FLIGHT
One of the notable exhibits was the Dirigible flight and artifacts from the Hindenburg disaster of 1937. On display was the radioman’s chair from the Hindenburg, which survived the tragedy because the radio room was insulated. The silver cigarette case of Hindenburg Captain Max Pruss is also part of the display.
ONE OF A KIND PLANES
Another aviation marvel on display and on loan from the Smithsonian is the Chance Vought V-173, “Flying Pancake”. The all-wing experimental aircraft has a design similar to the present-day Osprey. It was powered by a small 4-cylinder engine rated at 80 hp. Charles Lindbergh flew the aircraft and was impressed with its design. Plans to continue the project were scrapped after the war.
Frontier also hosts approximately 300 events each year and is one of the most popular venues in Dallas. This remarkable, vast collection of aviation history is well worth your time when you’re in Dallas and is easily accessible from Love Field.
CAVANUGH FLIGHT MUSEUM
Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison, Texas, is an actual flying aviation museum. The meticulously restored aircraft from World War I through the Vietnam era are actively flown, and visitors can purchase flights in these most treasured aircraft.
WAR BIRDS
This is a bucket-list destination for aviation enthusiasts. At Cavanaugh, you don’t have to imagine flying in the aircraft; here you can ride in a P-51 Mustang, T6 Texan, B-25 bomber, Stearman Biplane or a Korean War era helicopter. Flights on vintage aircraft range from $300 to $ 2000, depending on the aircraft.
AVIATION ARTWORK
Also featured at Cavanaugh is a stunning gallery of aviation artwork. The artist signs some of the pieces, and the pilots are featured.
Embrace your inner pilot and take flight at Cavanaugh.
